Kensington + Chelsea Art Week returns in June 2023
Witness the Art of Change in West London as Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW) returns for its sixth edition this June, offering a vibrant and free program of public art .
Image: Alex Chinneck Alphabeti Spaghetti. Photo by Marc Wilmot
The Kensington + Chelsea Art Week is a vibrant and inclusive celebration of culture that is accessible to everyone. With over 100 participating venues, this edition promises to be the most exciting and extensive yet, showcasing a diverse range of art and culture across West London throughout the summer. The festival offers a dynamic array of public art installations, exhibits, murals, art tours, events, and talks. Renowned artists such as Ai Weiwei, Misha Milovanovich, Satur Chong, and Norma D Hunter are among the lineup, contributing their distinctive styles and perspectives to the Art Week.
Image: Autonomous Morris Artwork © Astrid Hofer
The sculptures featured on this year's KCAW 2023 Public Art Trail offer a diverse range of artistic expressions. Outside of The Design Museum, art trail visitors can view replicas of two chairs owned by Ai Weiwei’s father. Misha Milovanovich's ‘Pinga’ sculpture on Kensington High Street combines femininity, change, and humour through dynamic patterns. These sculptures, along with other installations, can be found in iconic locations such as Duke of York Square, Holland Park, High Street Kensington, and Knightsbridge, creating an immersive art experience in West London.
Image: Ai Weiwei at Design Museum
Collaborating with Kensington and Chelsea Council, Kensington + Chelsea Art Week will feature vibrant murals and installations. Junior Tomlin's 'Children are our rising stars' mural at Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park celebrates cosmic elements and involves students from the RCA and local children. Baker & Borowski's ‘Graphic Rewilding Flower Clouds’ sculptures on Sloane Street offer a nature-inspired experience for visitors.
Other notable installations include Satur Chong's 'Manhole Tea Set' and Water/Wafer Maker,' which transform manhole covers into tea trays using humour and everyday objects. Norma D Hunter's interactive installation, ‘Penny for 'Em’, challenges societal perceptions of breastfeeding. ‘The Art of Change’ floor mural on Warwick Road engages the local community, while the Chelsea Windows exhibition on King's Road showcases emerging London-based artists. Peter Morris's 'The Cloud House Wendy House' in Napoleon Garden pays homage to childhood play and the vibrant streets of Chelsea. These sculptures and installations contribute to the rich artistic tapestry of the Kensington + Chelsea Art Week 2023 Art Trail.
Image: Liz West Through 3 KCAW 2020
The Art Trail's popular Art Bus, will return on 1 July 2023, offering a free tour to explore local galleries, artists, sculptures, and landmarks. The bus will also feature live broadcasts by Portobello Radio. Highlights of the Art Trail include the community installation project ‘Giant Mamas’ by Maya Sanbar, a sound installation and workshops by Sounds of Latimer, a mural painting by Morley College students, and performances from the Shubbak Festival. The Art Trail will showcase both local and celebrated artists, continuing the innovation and community spirit of previous editions.
More information and the complete list of participating artists can be found on the KCAW Digital Art Map at kcaw.co.uk.
Date: Kensington + Chelsea Art Week runs from 22 June - 2 July 2023. The Public Art Trail continues until 31 August 2023. Price: Free.Website: kcaw.co.uk.
